2009

Workflow overview: Make a pattern element independent of a pattern
1 Expand the pattern in the browser.
2 Right-click an element other than the source component, and then select
Independent.
The element is suppressed and a copy of the components it contains is
added to the browser.
NOTE To create a new component based on another component, save a copy
with a different name and place the copy in the assembly.
You can restore an independent element to the pattern at any time by
right-clicking it in the browser, and then clearing the check mark on
Independent. The copied components created when the element was made
independent are not automatically deleted from your model.
Creating Assembly Features
Assembly features are similar to part features except that they are created in
the assembly environment, can affect multiple parts, and are saved in the
assembly file.
Assembly features include chamfers, fillets, sweeps, revolved features,
extrusions, holes, move face, rectangular feature pattern, circular feature
pattern, and mirror. They also include the work features and sketches used to
create them. The workflow and dialog boxes are the same as for part features,
but some operations are not available (such as creating a surface for extruded
and revolved features).
You can edit, add to, suppress, or delete assembly features. You can also roll
back the state of the assembly features and add or remove components that
participate in the feature.
Use Assembly Features
Assembly features describe processes that are applied after a model is assembled.
Use assembly features to:
■ Define a single logical feature that spans multiple parts, such as an extrusion
cut through multiple connecting plates.
164 | Chapter 9 Creating Assemblies